Related Words
See happiness.
Other Word Forms
- overcontentment noun
- precontentment noun
Etymology
Origin of contentment
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English contentement, from Middle French; content 2 ( def. ), -ment ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does contentment compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the Lindgren siblings stumble into adulthood, they are often reduced to the level of animals who seek contentment in the proximity of other warm bodies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Beside him, Tuipulotu was measured and focused, a picture of contentment after a job spectacularly well done, while giving off the vibe that there's another, even bigger job, to do on Saturday.
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
We see her at the beginning of “Calle Málaga” in a state of smiling contentment, walking her neighborhood streets and being greeted by vendors.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
For some, this doesn’t require elite levels of spending — and this contentment, achieved by knowing what matters to you, is key.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025
The wind responded with a light flutter of contentment.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
